FLIBS: the 7 largest yachts going to Fort Lauderdale

Barely cracking the first half of the world's 100 largest yachts, Aviva became the first yacht to have an indoor padel tennis court. Built for a UK billionaire, the 98-meter Aviva is also the largest yacht ever built by Abeking & Rasmussen. The yacht is currently anchored by the Ross Dock picnic area near the New Jersey side of the George Washington Bridge. Abeking & Rasmussen’s superyacht Aviva is a winner at this year´s World Superyacht Awards which took place on May 19, in Florence.Photo by Adam JefferyLaunched in January 2017, Aviva was designed by British design studio, Reymond Langton, morphing into their largest creation to date. Boasting large interior volumes throughout its hull, Aviva also manages to feature some exterior space to take in the sun. Its sheer scale required Abeking & Rasmussen to create a special system to launch the yacht with a special pontoon.Delivered within 33 months of signing the contract, Aviva was commissioned by UK billionaire Joe Lewis, currently valued by Forbes at $5 billion. His fourth superyacht named Aviva, Lewis' former yacht was a 68-meter version of his current flagship also built by Abeking & Rasmussen. Extensively used as a floating home and office by the investment mogul, Aviva's volume would be impressive for any yacht.Photo by Adam JefferyThe powerful looking hull is the result of new research and testing which ensures superior seakeeping abilities combined with a 20% decrease in drag. Less engine output is required, fuel consumption is reduced and the maximum speed is a full 20 knots. A very special feature is the hybrid drive system: it allows Aviva to run at up to 11 knots without the use of the main engines, using electric motors only.Aviva's main feature, however, became an indoor, full-sized padel tennis court. Stretching across a length of 20 meters and a width of 10 meters, the court area goes up 6.65 meters high, a space that would be difficult to fit into any type of yacht. Aviva's 5,000GT of interior volume, however, allowed to blend in this space without compromises as to the size of the court.Photo by Adam Jeffery"It is not only a lifestyle change for the owner but also for the crew as this is also the largest gym of any yacht." the yacht's designers' commented. "The crew is encouraged to play with the owner and guests and when the court is not in use for padel, the net can be removed and the crew plays football and use other exercise equipment in the space. It is after all a sports hall."Perfectly lit through lights on the ceiling, this indoor court sits amidst the yacht's hull and stretches down to the bottom of its draft. In addition to the padel tennis court is a small lounging and viewing area up a series of stairs. Hidden away behind a net to protect the ball from flying away, the viewing area can also be used for gym equipment whilst a game is being played. "The owner is adamant that this is the best padel tennis court in the world, period!" the studio continued. Photo by Adam JefferyIn terms of exterior relaxation areas, Aviva features a circular set of lounging pads up on her sun deck as well as small, hidden away lounging pads towards the yacht's bridge. Powered by an eco-friendly system, the 98-meter can reach a top speed of 20 knots and cruise at 11 knots by using only electric power. This is achieved, in part, thanks to her innovative hull design couple with an electric propulsion system.Photo by Adam JefferyApart from her sundeck, most of the areas on the 98-meter superyacht are found inside, which gives it tremendous volume required for a live onboard owner. An exterior lounging area can, however, still be found aft of the main, upper and third decks with a series of lounging chairs and sun pads. A swimming platform also opens up onto the sea, creating a beach club area, her tenders being launched through side doors."Featuring a fresh and dynamic contemporary exterior design, unique, highly personalized layout for the interior and a cutting edge technical platform, Aviva is intended as a home away from home, and as a result the layout moves away from current trends to maximise the spaces that will be used the most, and create a welcome, inviting atmosphere, with a combination of spacious, open social lounges alongside more intimate and discreet areas for dining, working and relaxation." commented Andrew Langton. "The interior design features a number of avant-garde architectural elements and details, and uses a rich combination of fabric and leathers in light, warm tones."Throughout the yacht, Aviva features a modern design with sleek shapes couple with an extensive use of glass and stainless steel. Opting for a clear colour scheme with sprinkles of vivd soft furnishings, Aviva's exterior and interior look follows that of Lewis' former 68m Aviva."Communication and information are critical to me." Lewis said in an interview with regards to his requirements for his floating office. "To be effective, I need reliable phones and internet, these have improved much over the past few years, but, it is too expensive, too slow and not consistently reliable. Aviva is more than an office; it is also my home for much of the year. So for me, it is relaxing working from home, wherever Aviva may be in the world."Currently valued at $5 billion by Forbes, Joe Lewis sits as the 5th richest man in the United Kingdom. Chairman of the Tavistock Group with investments in over 200 companies, the 81 year-old started his career in the catering business in London, joining his father's company at the age of 15 in 1958. Initially making his wealth by selling that business in 1979, Lewis moved into currency trading, switching his residence to the Bahamas. Teaming up with George Soros in 1992, the pair bet against the pound and earned exponential returns with Lewis reportedly pocketing even more than Soros.Lewis' portfolio now includes Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur as well as Lake Nona, a fast growing development in Orlando, Florida. In December 2016, he paid $165 million to acquire the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six hotel in Fort Lauderdale through Tavistock. In addition to this, Lewis owns stakes in UK's largest pub operator, Mitchell's and Butlers as well as luxury club resort Albany.In a deal profiled by the Guardian, Lewis was able to back a Christie's art auction for the Ganz collection, guaranteeing a minimum sales price of $168 million and, eventually, splitting the $38 million net profit with the auction house when the sale fetched $206 million weeks later. "Being a trader means that you are wrong at the very least three times out of 10, and that is very hard." Lewis once told Fortune magazine.Prior to taking deliver of the 98-meter flagship, Lewis' largest yacht was the 68-meter Aviva delivered by Abeking & Rasmussen in 2007. A smaller version of his current yacht, the 68-meter featured a similar focus towards interior volume and acted as Lewis' floating office with a Bloomberg terminal and several trading screens onboard.In 1998, Lewis had taken delivery of 62-meter Feadship, Lady Aviva, which later caught fire in the Red Sea. The yacht was eventually salvaged by serial yacht owner, Dennis Washington, who transformed the yacht into Attessa III. Lewis' second Aviva became the 60-meter Oceanco built in 2004 as Alfa Four and now known as Sea Pearl.

Congratulations to the Owner, Captain Michael Gooding and crew of motor yacht Silentworld as the recipient of the inaugural Voyager Award at Australia’s annual Superyacht Awards.The winning 10-day itinerary undertaken in January 2017 was one of discovery of Queensland’s Kenn Reef in which the yacht set out with the Owner, guests and representatives of the Australian Maritime Museum to seek ship wrecks previously undiscovered. They were successful in finding four wrecks over seven sites on Kenn Reef which has laid unseen by humans since the 19th century. The largest wreck they found was that of Dutch-built S/Y Delta wrecked in 1854.“The Owner of Silentworld wants to discover and preserve Australia’s maritime history and in doing so set up the Silentworld Foundation. This journey was a part of the Foundation’s, Owner’s and crew’s effort to paint the nautical picture of indigenous and earlier colonised Australia. We set out to find the Bona Vista and the Hope, the boat the crew of the Bona Vista built with wreckage to escape, but we didn’t find either. However, we did find one wreck thought to be that of a known ship which was not wrecked at Kenn Reef so that adds another new mystery to be solved,” explained Silentworld’s Captain, Michael Gooding who collected the Award on behalf of the Owner.The judges felt the cruise included some destinations and experiences in Australia not usually presented. Kenn Reef is situated 280 nautical miles north east of the Queensland town, Gladstone, and sits off the continental shelf beyond the confines of the Great Barrier Reef.“Australia is an amazing superyacht destination not only for its natural beauty but also for the diversity of experiences which Silentworld’s winning itinerary perfectly exemplifies,” offered Superyacht Australia’s Director, MaryAnne Edwards.Silentworld, a 40-metre Oassive, is one of the most prolific charter yachts available in Australia, which and Ocean Alliance has represented the yacht for more than two years. She accommodates 12 guests for charters, in 6 cabins, from as far north as Papua New Guinea to Tasmania in the south plus the whole South Pacific. Her conservation and research enthusiastic Owner named her after Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s 1956 movie, The Silent World, setting the tone and direction for this superyacht.“We cannot think of a more deserving yacht to receive this newly created award. Silentworld offers the levels of service expected and delivered in Europe. Yet the Owner, Captain and crew curiosity and genuine love of Australia’s marine environment, nautical pedigree and maritime provenance offer guests coming to Australia something truly different whilst simultaneously giving back through the Foundation,” explained Ocean Alliance’s Managing Director Mr Joachim Howard.Silentworld is currently lying in Tahiti and will return to Australia’s east coast in November in preparation for the festive season.

Construction work on the new 72-metre S701, designed by Francesco Paszkowski and now christened Solo, is approaching completion at the Tankoa shipyard in Genoa. On schedule for her late July launch, Solo, will make her international debut at the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show.Work in progress to date- Painting of hull: completed- Painting of superstructure: 95% completed- Glass installation: 90 % completed- Laying of teak deck and fittings on sun deck: 90% completed- Outfitting of owner’s deck: 40% completed- Outfitting of upper deck (wheelhouse, radio room, captain’s cabin, massage room, upper deck salon): 50% completed. The yacht will be ‘Paperless Bridge’ (ECDIS) compliant according toregulations entering into force in July 18.- Supporting structure for the floating floor on the lower and main decks: completed- Outfitting of main deck cabins and VIP suites, incl. main salon and cinema room: 70% completed- Outfitting of lower deck crew quarters and services areas: 90% completed- Outfitting of tank deck technical spaces, garbage room and laundry: 75-80% completed- Stainless steel fittings (cleats, fairleads, anchor pockets, railing): 80% completed and ready forinstallation. Nearly all the usual stainless-steel railings have been substituted with glass for bettervisibility and aesthetic enhancement.- Pool on aft deck and private Jacuzzi on owner’s deck ready for operation.- Pool on fly deck ready for painting.- Engine room: 70% completed incl. drive shafts installation, stabilisers and bow thruster. Props andstabiliser ins will be mounted prior to launching.- Exterior ceiling panels completed and ready for installation.- AV room: 95% completed. Entertainment/communication/domotic systems ready for installation ofall components.- Mast ready for installation once the yacht leaves the build shed.The Dream MansionAlthough reminiscent of the 69-meter Suerte (S693), Solo is 3 m longer with a larger volume at 1,600 + GRT. Other key differences include underwater exhausts allowing for a substantial gain of volume on all decks and a larger winter garden; larger aft deck with 6-meter transversal pool, glass bulwarks sections for unobstructed sea views; and a wide body upper deck allowing for an oversized panoramic salon. The longer waterline also provides for a higher top speed in excess of 17.5 knots.Solo has accommodations for 12 guests in six cabins, including the master suite on the private owner's deck, a VIP suite, two doubles and two twins. NB, the hair dressing/massage room and the owner’s study can also be converted in additional cabins as they are both equipped with a full bathroom. The Vip and Guest cabins are all on the main deck.The beach club is a spacious and welcoming space with sofa, bar, TV, oversized glass walled gym with fold-out terrace, bathroom, sauna (also fitted with its own fold-out terrace) and hammam. The upper deck houses the wheelhouse with radio room, captain’s cabin, and a hair dressing/massage room that can be converted in an extra cabin. The aft section features an enormous observation lounge/salon with floor-to-ceiling windows, 90” 4K QLED TV screen, baby grand piano, bar and fireplace.The fully private owner’s deck has direct access from the touch-and-go helideck aft (rated at 4.5 tons for an Augusta 109 or most twin turbine helicopters). This exterior deck is also equipped with its own Jacuzzi, bar, salon, breakfast corner and day head with shower. Inside, the owner’s apartment features an owner studio/media room that can be converted into an additional cabin with bathroom. The island bed is surrounded by full-height windows for 180° views. With direct access to two intimate side exterior saloon, shaded sun pads and the Jacuzzi with its sky shower.Tenders and toys storages are split between the foredeck and a twin side-loading garage, providing room for two 7.5m tenders, rescue boat and PWCs. The under lower deck is devoted to laundry room, pump room, storage, fridge and freezer, garbage treatment and cold room and technical spaces.On the future of soloSales and Marketing Director of Tankoa and board member Michel Karsenti recently commented on the present and the future of Solo:“The owner is a truly experienced boat lover. This is his second build with Tankoa and his wish is now to put Solo on the market for sale and build a new Tankoa, probably larger. It is surely rewarding for all of us at Tankoa to see a client who basically has very little time to enjoy his boat considering his hectic business life but enjoys the construction and creation process so much.As much as we would like to see the client enjoy his boat, we are truly happy to have developed such trustful relationship with such knowledgeable client. Solo will be exhibited in Monaco and will surely sale quickly as she is an exceptional yacht that will demonstrate that Tankoa is the alternative to Northern European shipyard to build a high-quality yacht at reasonable cost and extreme flexibility.But overall, the most amazing factor between his previous yacht, Suerte and the new one, Solo, is the countless number of technical details that have been improved. The interior is also very different with all seats and tables by Fendi Casa. I am pretty sure Solo, like Vertige, will have a big impact on the market at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show.”A word from the owner's repSolo is destined for charter and the owner’s brief called for a circulation plan that allowed the crew to work completely independently from the owner and guest areas for maximum privacy. He further requested a décor that is modern, elegant and warm. Both the GA and décor are the result of a collaborative effort by Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini.Acting as build engineer and owner’s representative, Albert McIlroy has monitored the construction process throughout:“I can now really feel the shipyard is truly backed up by the experience of Tankoa’s managers and technical office and the guys are raising the bar of quality and engineering yacht after yacht,” says McIlroy, who has built a number of yachts in North European shipyards. “Edoardo Ratto, the General Manager, is also deeply involved in bringing the latest technologies on board and is really giving me a hand with this. Even more than Tankoa’s previous projects, I feel that everything is organized and timed to stick to contractual delivery schedules. Time management and operation processes areparamount for the team here and there is no room for improvisation, despite the great deal of flexibility they provide when needed. As I tell my colleagues, working with Tankoa is like being in northern Europe, but you also have the world’s best cuisine!”

Basrah Breeze was built in 1981 by Danish shipyard Helsingor Vaerft for then president of Iraq Saddam Hussein and was launched as Qadissiyat Saddam (the name is a reference to a 7th century battle in which Arabs triumphed over Persia). The yacht's current captain - Hussein Ghazi Khalifa said the cost of yacht at that time was $25 million, but now it would cost approximately $100 million to build such a superyacht.Saddam Hussein’s 82-metre superyacht Basrah Breeze was recently used by Iraqi marine researchers from the University of Basrah’s Marine Science Center to explore the changing Persian Gulf. The Basrah Breeze came to Basra in 2010 with the government ownership, but she was rarely used since then. In the year 2014 professors at the university asked the government to allow them to use the yacht as part of their research fleet.The Basrah Breeze was fitted with marble-tiled bathrooms, numerous guest cabins and a large presidential suite. The superyacht’s indulgent interior then has been modified to accommodate Iraqi scientists but much of the original decor still remains. Saddam Hussein was never able to enjoy the yacht because of the war with Iran and she was left moored in Oman for many years. In the middle 1980's Hussein gave her as a gift to King Fahd bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. The yacht then changed hands several more times before ending up under the ownership of a Cayman Islands company. Following the execution of Saddam Hussein the Cayman Islands company tried to sell the yacht in 2007, but documents were discovered that legally confirmed it to still be an Iraqi vessel. Following a difficult legal battle the Iraqi government was able to claim ownership.The king size bed in Saddam Hussein's superyacht is made, the silk curtains around it have been drawn back and, in the gold-rimmed bathroom next door, a barber's chair awaits its occupant. But then Iraqi president never boarded the 82-metre "Basrah Breeze" built for him and now its amenities will be enjoyed by the pilots who guide shipping in and out of the port of Basra, the main southern city.Equipped with a presidential suite comprising Saddam's private quarters, dining rooms and bedrooms, as well as 17 smaller guest rooms, 18 cabins for crew and a clinic, the opulently equipped and decorated vessel was put on the market for $30 million. The government failed to find a buyer, and for the past two years the Basrah Breeze has served Basra University, hosting researchers on trips to study marine life. "The presidential yacht is in a very good condition. Its two engines and generators are functioning," said Abdul-Zahra Abdul-Mahdi Saleh, its captain. "It only needs periodic maintenance."But authorities have now decided to moor it permanently as a hotel and recreation facility for the southern port's pilots, many of whom live in distant cities. "The port needs the boat to be a station where sea pilots can rest," said Basra port spokesman Anmar al-Safi.While the Basrah Breeze survived the turmoil of Saddam's decline and demise, its sister ship "al-Mansur" - which he also never boarded - suffered a different fate, sinking in the Shatt al-Arab waterway that passes through Basra after it was hit by U.S. planes and then stripped bare in the chaotic aftermath of his overthrow. As regards Basrah Breeze, Basra museum has not given up hope of persuading the port to allow it to dock the vessel next to its exhibition halls in one of Saddam's former palaces overlooking the Shatt al-Arab.

CdM is proud to announce the successful launching of the Acciaio 105 - christened M/Y Gatto - on the17th of May 2018. Her delivery is planned for later in the summer. Responsible for the exterior design as well as naval architecture is Hydro Tec who has given M/Y Gatto a bold yet contemporary exterior accompanied with traditional fresh interior style by Francesco Guida Design.With this model CdM proves, once more, its flexibility and knowledge of the market. Acciaio 105 is also a testimony to the excellent cooperation between all parts involved in her construction. Ultimately, CdM's team, excellent craftsmen included, proved the yard's capacity to meet an exacting brief on time.“We literally started from a drawing made on a restaurant’s table,” Vasco Buonpensiere, co-founder and Sales Director at CdM recalls. “M/Y Gatto is the result of a great teamwork,” he says “and the project kept on growing on a steady pace thanks to the commitment and experience of the Owner Representative, Richard Kaye, the fast responses given by Hydro Tec in terms of design, and the usual intense work of the whole CdM team. The result is simply unique: there is nothing similar on the market, 250 GT, fully custom, so over engineered and built in Acciaio!” [The name Acciaio, Steel in English, has been chosen to emphasize the yacht's robustness and character.] In the words of the Owner Representative, Richard Kaye: “ It has been really refreshing working with a team eager to listen and implement our suggestions every time we asked for it. Thanks to this approach, we succeeded in transferring on M/Y Gatto our previous experiences of many custom yachts built everywhere in the world. The team at CdM is really up to its reputation: skilled, motivated and always aiming to the best for the yacht and her Owner.” Having experienced the behavior of the Darwin 107 Storm into a real storm – wind blowing at 40 knots and more than 3-metre swells – the Owner was attracted by the benefits of a robust and reliable explorer hull, yet asked both yard and designers for softer and more contemporary lines. Thanks to her strong yet gentle lines, Acciaio 105 crosses indeed the ineffable border between sturdiness and robustness.Acciaio 105's design combines beautiful lines with a contemporary flair. Private exterior decks create the perfect retreat for the guests while generous interior spaces host both social and private areas for 10 guests pampered by a crew of 6. “We have been asked to create classic-contemporary interiors with a soft and relaxing feel throughout,” says Italian designer Francesco Guidastrong> who took an architectural approach to interiors. They are the result of a true collaboration among the designer, the Owner and the yard as they negotiated around structural constraints to achieve the best possible result. “We have created a unique look by designing linear furniture enriched with exquisite burnished metal details while combining natural oak with white lacquered surfaces and glossy ebony details, we gave character to the ambiance,” Guida continues. “We did our best to design interiors that are cohesive to the yacht's exterior line.” By boldly mixing dark and bright colours and cleverly contrasting materials, Guida breathed life into M/Y Gatto's interiors.“Acciaio 105 boasts a strong and robust construction, in steel and aluminium,” says Sergio Cutolo, founder and team leader of Hydro Tec. “The vessel features a high performing full displacement hull with bulbous bow, full midship section and smooth, flat aft sections which allow for optimal propeller space and an almost horizontal shaft line. The hull's geometry allows for incredibly low fuel consumption and a remarkable long range.”With a transatlantic range of 4500nm at the economic speed of 10 knots, top speed is 13 knots, which is particularly outstanding given that it is achieved with just two Caterpillar engines 500 kW each – relatively small engines for a yacht of her size and displacement.Thanks to her well-engineered steel hull with bulbous bow, Acciaio 105 will ensure a smooth path through water, and will be the perfect home away from home in all sea conditions. Acciaio 105's Owner, who is extremely pleased with the outcome, is looking forward to enjoying his yacht on her maiden voyage.